An interview with actress (and new mom!) Bobbi Baker-James
For this month’s LA’s Corner, I interviewed Bobbi Baker-James, wife of assistant coach Nate James. Bobbi is an accomplished actress, having graduated from world-renowned Juilliard and appearing in “House of Payne” and “Madea Goes to Jail” among other impressive projects! Also, Bobbi and Nate had their first child on July 26 when Nathaniel Drake James III entered the world!!
Our own in-house celebrity! Tell us how you got started in TV/film!?
My original plan in high school was to pursue a degree in journalism. I wanted to be a news anchor. After attending a workshop at UCLA I discovered I didn’t really have what it took to be in that field but I still loved being on camera so acting was the next best thing to me. I claimed drama as a major at Western Carolina University never even having done a play! They seemed to like me quite a bit because I was on stage year round. After taking time to study abroad at The Oxford School of Drama (Oxford, England) I figured I could benefit from a more intense program so I decided to audition for The Juilliard School. I graduated from Juilliard in May of ‘07 and was signed to Tyler Perry Studios in October. Prior to that, I was doing mostly theatre and occasionally I played a cop on Guiding Light so the world of TV and film is really fairly new to me. I’m still learning!
How did you meet Coach James?
I can’t help but laugh every time someone asks this question… We actually met at a party/club which never seems to work out for most people. We met on a Friday, got together again that Sunday, and we were inseparable for two weeks straight up until he had to go home for Mother’s Day. It was fast. There’s also still an ongoing debate to this day as to who approached who that night. Any sensible human being would and should believe me and my friends… not him and Chris (Carrawell)! I will admit though, it wasn’t a hard sale at all. He flashed that smile and it was over! That and I saw his aura as he walked through the crowd to approach me… It was green. I like green.
Who in the showbiz world who has “wowed” you that you have met so far?
I have been fortunate to meet several icons. I’ve met Cicely Tyson twice, Ruby Dee, Oprah, and Sidney Poitier. Ms. Tyson gave me good words of wisdom and Mr. Poitier was very impressed with my accomplishments, my training, and my husband. When I introduced Nate, he said, “WELL…HE’S HANDSOME!” I think so too.
Is there anyone in particular who you would like to work with? Any upcoming projects in the works?
I would really love to work with Quentin Tarantino. I have a dark side but it doesn’t lack humor.
I’m really excited about some other roles and opportunities that I’m auditioning and being considered for. Unfortunately it’s all hush hush right now for both legal reasons and fear-of-jinx. Just keep your fingers crossed for me Duke!
Have you had any bizarre encounters with fans?
I’ve had a few weird encounters. One fan gave me all her personal info. I’m talking home address, home and cell number, her title at work. Then she yells across the parking lot, “CALL ME!” I just might one day too on three conditions: 1) I have to be really bored 2) my “good deeds account” has to have a negative balance 3) I have to learn how to make my number not show up on caller ID!
You just had a baby! How is juggling motherhood and working going for you?
Motherhood is the most wonderful challenge ever. Juggling motherhood with anything is hard especially if you’re like me and have a perpetual image of this constantly growing brain that I am responsible for. Every activity that doesn’t actively involve him somehow makes me feel a little guilty. Then I remember everything I do has something to do with him. I could never look my son in the eye and tell him to see his dreams through having not done that with mine. When I went back to work for a couple days a few weeks back I was a little uneasy at first, but Nate is an excellent father. He also keeps me motivated to keep investing in my craft. So I guess the answer to “how” I do both is Nate, that’s how.
How do you relax as a family?
To relax, we talk or watch TV. We love the one-hour HBO shows. Nate is a huge movie buff, I surprisingly am not. Sometimes I’ll watch whatever movie he brings home as long as it’s not scary. I hate those movies.
Does Coach James have any superstitious rituals on game day?
Nate: “Hey Sweetie which tie do you think I should wear, the one on the left or the one on the right?” Me: “The one on the right.” Nate leaves wearing the one on the left.
How do you handle the grueling schedule your husband has as a coach?
Nate and I are actually quite accustomed to being apart for long periods of time. Our first four years together I was in New York and he was overseas, so these days it’s just nice to be in the same time zone. Of course I miss him when he’s gone but we mentally prepared a long time ago for the fact that neither of us would be leading typical 9-5 lives. Whenever I need him I know he’ll always be home as soon as he can.
Laura Ann Howard is now in her 19th season as administrative assistant in the Duke Basketball office. She works closely with our assistant coaches, coordinates player autographing, keeps tabs on former players, staff and managers, and delivers smiles at our offices on the fifth floor of the Schwartz-Butters Center. The Roxboro, NC native shares one of her updates in LA’s Corner as part of every issue of Blue Planet.
